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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Valley Fever

Every region of the world, it
seems, has its particular problems with airborne pollens, molds and other
particulates that affect the breathing and health of the residents.

In the desert southwest of the
United States, an affliction known as Valley Fever follows a pattern known as
Grow and Blow. A type of fungus known as Coccidioidomycosis
produces a disease wrought by inhalation of airborne spores when the fungus
grows during wet spells and then dries out during dry spells. Even such as wind
storms, construction, till farming or even an earthquake can cause massive
releases of the fungal spores and that’s when Valley Fever outbreaks occur.

Even people who aren’t
normally sensitive to allergens or asthma-related symptoms can become ill from
Valley Fever.But in many cases those
who do suffer from breathing-related illnesses are at greatest risk. Deaths
have occurred as the disease produces flu-like symptoms, some of which can be
intense. It can lung failure and even spread to the brain and other parts of
the body.

Only recently has the
disease become better-known by the general public. For many years isolated
populations including prison inmates or agricultural workers came down with the
disease, but an 850% increase in incidents in recent years has heightened
awareness and public health cautions.

That is particularly
important as people migrating to or visiting the desert Southwest can contract
the disease if conditions are right. And, those conditions seem to be on the
increase due to more intense fluctuations in weather thanks to climate change,
which is resulting in heavier rains followed by more intense periods of
drought. In other words, climate change may be creating the Perfect Storm for
spread of Valley Fever.

Valley Fever still may not
be properly diagnosed, since fungal diseases are not always easily detected.
Still, the fact that someone is coughing so hard they black out, or spitting
blood from trauma to the lung and bronchial passages is a clear sign that
something’s truly wrong.

The state of California is
now seeking to educate its public health officials.Public warnings to limit outdoor activities
on high-risk days are also being implemented.

Such activities are crucial
because Valley Fever can be devastating and persistent, causing people to
undergo expensive treatments if they are diagnosed at all.

Taking precautions on
high-risk days may become the norm for residents of the Southwest. These might
include allergy masks or air purifiers, both of which can remove mold and fungal spores from the air. These often
affordable preventative measures include transportable devices like travel air purifiers for residents and visitors to the desert
Southwest.